Dutch Caribbean Program Lead

The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) is one of the largest independent conservation organizations in the world. We are an international NGO committed to environmental protection, active in nearly 100 countries. WWF-NL operates in the Dutch Caribbean, focusing on marine and terrestrial conservation, working closely with local partners, governments, knowledge institutions, businesses, and communities.

WWF-NL has been actively involved in conservation in the Dutch Caribbean for decades, with a strong commitment to protecting its unique biodiversity and marine ecosystems. Our strategy for the Dutch Caribbean emphasizes achieving nature-positive impact by mobilizing stakeholders to engage in conservation efforts, promoting sustainable practices, and addressing key environmental threats such as climate change, habitat degradation, and unsustainable resource use. Our work focuses on two pillars: (1) creating climate resilient coasts through protection and restoration of essential ecosystems while fostering resilience in local communities. (2) Protecting migratory corridors of flagship marine species like sea turtles, cetaceans and sharks. By aligning with WWF-NL's broader conservation objectives, our efforts in the Dutch Caribbean contribute to reversing biodiversity loss and fostering a sustainable future for people and nature.

Role and Responsibilities

The Dutch Caribbean Program Lead is responsible for implementing WWF-NL's strategic plan in the region, ensuring impactful conservation outcomes, and strengthening local partnerships. The primary tasks include:

• Regional Strategy: Responsible for implementation of, reporting on and alignment with regional lead on Dutch Caribbean activities within WWF Regional Caribbean Strategy.
• Dutch Caribbean Program Development: Responsible for development, reporting and monitoring of WWF-NL's Dutch Caribbean program within Regional Caribbean Strategy
• Dutch Caribbean Program Implementation: Lead and manage projects under WWF-NL's Dutch Caribbean program, focusing on marine protected area (MPA) management, coastal ecosystem restoration, sustainable fisheries, nature-based solutions, green finance, and climate adaptation. Responsible for continuation and upscaling of ongoing programs (e.g. STRAP development, coastal ecosystem restoration program, RoffaReefs, REEFGRAZERS, etc.).
• Fundraising & Grant Management: Use WWF-NL's seed funding to leverage large scale funding, responsible for identifying funding opportunities, leverage green/blue finance, developing proposals, and managing financial resources to ensure Dutch Caribbean program sustainability. Support fundraising efforts by both WWF-NL in the Netherlands and fundraising efforts within the context of the Caribbean regional strategy. Align with the Caribbean Regional Strategy Lead
• Advocacy & Policy Influence: Represent WWF-NL in Dutch Caribbean policy discussions, together with Public Affairs within WWF-NL, lead advocacy for improved environmental governance, and contribute to the development of conservation policies at local and national levels. Coordinate communication efforts related to Dutch Caribbean program.
• WWF collaboration: ensure partners in Dutch Caribbean are aligned and aware of the regional strategy and WWF-NL focus areas for implementing projects and communication and advocacy
• Organizational development: support local partners in collaborative projects and strengthen their ability to achieve impact
• Monitoring & Reporting: Ensure timely and accurate reporting on Dutch Caribbean program progress, financial expenditures, and conservation impacts to WWF-NL and donors.
• Budget management: responsible for expenses within approved annual workplan and budget specifically allocated to Dutch Caribbean Program
• WWF Network Engagement: in agreement with Regional Lead, link to WWF global community on specific topics relevant to the Dutch Caribbean program, ensuring alignment with international conservation strategies and funding opportunities.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build strong relationships with governments, NGOs, local communities (through partners), businesses, and scientific institutions to foster a collaborative approach to conservation. Understand the WWF-NL network and WWF-NL office structure and organization. Use this, in cooperation with the Caribbean Seascape Coordinator, to leverage WWF-NL thematic, fundraising, communication and other expertise in support of Dutch Caribbean program. Lead partnership development.
• Communication: Act as local spokesperson on WWF-NL communication, engagement and advocacy goals for The Dutch Caribbean.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate possesses the following qualifications:

• A Master's degree in environmental science, marine biology, conservation, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in conservation program management, preferably in island or marine ecosystems.
• Demonstrable experience with (Dutch) Caribbean networks and culture is essential.
• Strong project management skills, including budgeting, stakeholder coordination, and reporting.
• Experience in policy advocacy and engagement with governmental and non-governmental stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.
• Experience with WWF standards and network is preferred.
• Fluency in English is required; proficiency in Dutch is a strong asset.
• Ability to speak or a willingness to learn Papiamentu is a requirement.
• Must be physically based in the Dutch Caribbean.

Core values

You recognize yourself in the core values of WWF-NL:

• Courage
• Integrity
• Respect
• Collaboration

Contract duration & reporting

• Full-time position
• Start date anticipated on 1 July 2025
• Initially the candidate will be provided with a 1 year (maximum) consultancy contract while WWF-NL ensures accommodation of contractual staffing based in the Dutch Caribbean.
• When staffing conditions have been achieved, the consultancy contract will be replaced by a staff contract for one year, with potential for extension based on performance and funding.
• Line management goes directly to the WWF-NL Head of International Landscape Team.
• Strategic supervision will be provided by the WWF-NL Caribbean Seascape Coordinator
• Regular coordination with WWF Caribbean teams and relevant stakeholders.

Recruitment Process & Contact Details

Interested candidates should submit a CV and cover letter detailing their suitability for the role. Applications should be sent to by June 10th 2025.

For any inquiries about the role, please contact Arjan de Groene at .

This role offers a unique opportunity to lead impactful conservation efforts in one of the world's most ecologically significant marine regions. If you are passionate about marine and island conservation and possess the leadership skills to drive meaningful change, we encourage you to apply.